Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just a casual sipper, you’ve likely heard people refer to light, medium, and dark roasts. But, what exactly do each of these terms mean? Here, the experts at your local Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf spill the beans.

Light Vs. Medium Vs. Dark Roast Coffee

The easiest way to differentiate between these three coffee drinks is to look at their color. Light roasts are light brown or tan. Dark roasts are the deepest in color and have residual oils on the bean.

However, shade is not the only difference between them. Roasts also have varying flavors. Light roasts are the most acidic but offer more pronounced taste characteristics. Thus, shops often use them for cuppings. Medium, on the other hand, balances acidity and body for a flavorful, aromatic coffee drink. Lastly, dark is rich and full-bodied, making it hard to pick out the coffee’s specific origins on taste alone.